DL50

Devon Still

DT Penn St.

Grade

5.08 SEC

26 REPS

29.5 INCH

Overview

Still is one of the most NFL-ready interior lineman of this year's senior class and arguably one of the most polished and "safe" picks of the draft. He has massive size to clog lanes on the inside and occupy blocks. Still displays good technique to beat double teams and get to the passer, and the power to bowl over would-be blockers to be disruptive in the backfield. He has been a reliable and productive player throughout his time at Penn State. A team who needs to address their run defense and add a player who will occupy and keep linebackers free in a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme will likely select Still in the middle of the first round as an immediate starter.

Analysis

Strengths

Still is a strong player who gets off the line quickly for his size and shows the explosion to blow back offensive guards into their own backfield. He excels as a run defender by using his strengths to occupy a blocker while he reads the play and reacts, which is ideal schematically for a nose tackle in a 3-4 defense. He has the ability to use hand technique and footwork alike to remove himself from blocks and get in the backfield. For a massive nose tackle he is an above-average pass rusher who can use an array of swim and dip moves to get to the passer.

Weaknesses

While Still can rush the passer, it is rare that he actually gets there to make sack production as his athletic ability is rather average once he is exposed in the open field. He works tremendously in tight quarters but doesn't display that quickness or explosion when in the open field. This is true of his play in pursuit, as well. Once the ball gets past him he usually is done for the play.